Class Warfare

Columnist Kenneth Khachigian would have us believe that the best thing to do with the surplus generated during the Clinton years is to give the money "back" to the people who earned it (Aug. 29). Khachigian revealed the hidden intent of Republicans in proposing a tax cut when he cited the 300 millionaires at Broadcom as people deserving of a break. That's Republican "logic." Let's not worry about education, health care, the Reagan debt or anything else as long as there is a needy millionaire out there with a tin (gold?

Re "A Tax Cut Rooted in the Bush Pedigree," by Kevin Phillips, Opinion, Jan. 12: Why is anyone surprised that President Bush is proposing even more tax breaks that primarily benefit himself? Virtually everything he has done has been for that effect. From trying to drill for oil in the Alaskan wilderness, to his first tax cut for the very wealthy, to sabotaging the historic Kyoto accord, to trying to control more Middle East oil by starting a war, the only common thread is that it all builds his personal wealth.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Has class warfare come to the exclusive Silicon Valley enclave of Atherton? In the Lindenwood neighborhood, where average home prices exceed $7 million, vandals last week spray-painted black graffiti targeting the “1%” on walls, garage doors, a gate, a car, even white picket fences. "Most people think this is a one-time thing, but I wouldn't be surprised if security-camera companies are doing a lot of business right now," Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia told the San Francisco Chronicle . "I think everyone's hoping this doesn't happen again.

Ever controversial Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly has stirred up yet another little furor with his remarks about Justin Combs, son of rapper and entrepreneur Sean Combs (a.k.a. Diddy). On his "O'Reilly Factor" show on Tuesday night, Bill reported the news that Combs the Younger had received a full-ride athletic scholarship to play football for UCLA. After complimenting the teen for his exceptional performance and for staying clean, he then took issue with Combs the Elder over the scholarship which, according to O'Reilly, was worth $54,000 a year to the Combs family.

The Los Angeles Times (May 31) printed two letters pertaining to homelessness in La Jolla. One ranted at the "insecure and mean-spirited" La Jollans while the other raved that "the hearts of city leaders and residents has made La Jolla ugly." What inane nonsense! La Jolla's problem with the homeless is a new one, coinciding perfectly with the opening of a homeless center in the midst of our community. This center, prompted by politically correct activists, is assuring its "success" by offering free food as an attractant to transients and panhandlers which formerly frequented other areas.

Symbol of courage Re "Valor in the 'kill zone,' " Sept. 16 How proud all Marines must be to see one of their own awarded the nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, in a ceremony at the White House — lest we forget our troops defending our freedom 24/7 in places far from home. As the father of an active-duty Marine, I am particularly awed by the actions of Dakota Meyer, and I thank God every day that there are still those among us who answer to a much higher calling.

In the Simi Valley debate over school closings, some parents have complained that the district will be closing at least one school while it plans to build a new school in Wood Ranch. I live in Wood Ranch, and my house backs up to the site where the school will go. I do not support the district's haste in deciding to close a school without thoroughly looking at other alternatives first. But I hope that parents of the schools threatened by this action will not fall into the trap of neighborhood against neighborhodd and class warfare.

Mitt Romney appeared to be softening to the Occupy Wall Street protests on Monday, taking a more sympathetic tone as he remarked on the movement, which he had called “dangerous” just a week before. “I look at what's happening on Wall Street and my view is, boy, I understand how those people feel,” he said at a town hall event in Hopkinton, N.H. “Because with median income down 10% ... with chronic unemployment, long-term unemployment worse...